Firefighters Save a Furry Friend

REDLANDS>> On Thursday, March 30, firefighters responded to a house fire where firefighters found the house filled with smoke and a fire burning in the kitchen. Two residential fire sprinklers had already activated and were keeping the fire from spreading further than the kitchen. It took firefighters ten minutes to extinguish the flames and during a search of the residence, response firefighters located an 8-week old Shih-tzu puppy in the house. The puppy was not breathing and firefighters jumped quickly into action to save its life. Using a specially designed pet oxygen mask, firefighters were able to resuscitate the dog. As of Friday, March 31, the puppy was improving at a veterinary hospital in Yucaipa. San Bernardino County Medic Engine 9 responded to the incident to provide assistance and continued to cover Redlands during the incident. Loma Linda Medic Engine 252 also assisted with covering the city during the incident. Damage to the home is estimated at $50,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation but is believed to be accidental and related to a kitchen appliance. Representatives of the Emma Zen Foundation and Furry Face and A Very Cool Dog & Cat Store donated 12 Pet Oxygen Mask Kits, each valued at $100 apiece, to the Redlands Fire Department in 2014. The masks have been used numerous times since the donation. The kits can be used to resuscitate pets of various sizes that have been rescued from fires. Oftentimes, pets are home even when families are not and are found overcome by smoke. The Pet Oxygen Mask Kits give firefighters a fighting chance to save the life of a much-loved family pet. This lifesaving equipment for pets is designed to simulate proper pet CPR and gives an adequate constant flow of clean oxygen to a pet in need, making resuscitation both more practical and efficient. The mask works for dogs, cats, birds, and other household-size pets with an effectiveness not previously available. The foundation also publishes training materials to guide emergency personnel in their pet rescue efforts.